Perak: The Perak state government is set on fortifying Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to prepare local youth for job and entrepreneurial prospects arising from new economic development zones. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad emphasized the need for human capital development that aligns with the state's economic path to ensure youth in Perak gain the necessary skills and local entrepreneurs can leverage this economic expansion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani highlighted that TVET should be viewed by young individuals not just as a route to employment, but as a foundation for future endeavors. He articulated that skills in culinary arts, the automotive sector, digital technology, engineering, or creative industries could form the basis for entrepreneurship. These remarks were made during the opening of the PERAK Gen Showcase 2026 at Medan MARA, which was also attended by MARA chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman.
Saarani stated that the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan places a strong focus on human capital development, the TVET Corridor, and creating quality economic opportunities. The state is laying the groundwork for its future economy through key growth areas like the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), Perak Halal Industrial Park, Silver Valley Technology Park, and the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park.
According to Saarani, LuMIC is projected to attract RM72 billion in investments over the next 25 years and create about 50,000 jobs. The Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park is expected to offer at least 30,000 employment opportunities for individuals with vocational skills. Saarani expressed the desire for the youth to actively drive and contribute to this development, shaping Perak's new success narrative.
Furthermore, Saarani mentioned that the tourism sector is providing vast opportunities for entrepreneurs, with Perak seeing an increase in overnight domestic tourist arrivals to 10.4 million in 2025 from 10.2 million in 2024, and recording 23.6 million domestic visitors last year.
Earlier, Saarani noted that the four-day PERAK Gen Showcase 2026, which commenced yesterday, features 75 booths covering food and beverage, lifestyle, and tourism sectors, aiming to generate RM1 million in sales and attract 10,000 visitors.